Proposal to transform street into traffic-free community area

An ambitious plan to transform New Dock Street into a traffic-free community space is to be put to residents and local businesses at a meeting on May 12.

By closing the slip road between Dock Road and Merchants Road, it is hoped that a park area could be developed – creating a seating area, attractive landscaping and an open stage for dramatic and musical performances.

Local businessman, Robert Delargy, said it would give people living in apartments surrounding the docks a space to meet for coffee and enjoy their surroundings – all while in the picturesque setting of the docks.

“The way I think of it is that it would make it much more attractive for people living in Dun Aengus flats who would have somewhere to sit and have a cup of coffee or at night, something that people would be able to enjoy.

“It would be within easy reach of the apartments and it would be giving people a facility that they don’t already have,” said Mr Delargy.

A preliminary sketch of plans was circulated to local residents and businesses in recent weeks outlining the proposal and, according to Mr Delargy, there has been hugely positive feedback.

“We circulated leaflets to everybody on the street a few weeks ago,” he said. “I have since had a good chat with a lot of people and people are very positive about it.”

Mr Delargy believes that the park could be a lasting legacy of Galway 2020 by bringing culture into the heart of the area and reconnecting locals with Padraic Ó Conaire, who was born on the street and is widely recognised as one of the country’s most colourful Irish language writers.

Locals interested in the plans are asked to attend a meeting at Dock No. 1 Bar and Restaurant on Friday, May 12 at 11am.
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